What started as an artist buying pinball machines for a creative project turned into one of California’s most joyfully unexpected destinations. The Pacific Pinball Museum was founded in 2004 by Michael Schiess, a former museum exhibition designer who began collecting pinball machines in 2001 and decided to open his own museum after being unimpressed with how other institutions covered pinball history. Today, it stands as a certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion and preservation of pinball, one of America’s favorite pastimes.
Spanning the decades from the 1940s to the present day, the museum offers over 100 playable pinball machines — all set to free play — housed right on Webster Street in Alameda, California. Whether you’re a lifelong pinball wizard or someone who hasn’t touched a flipper button in years, this place has a way of pulling you in and not letting go.
What Makes It So Special
Your admission gets you unlimited play on over 100 classic pinball games spread across five rooms, organized by decade in chronological order. That design choice is one of the museum’s greatest strengths — you genuinely feel like you’re walking through time as you move from room to room, watching the machines evolve from simple mechanical marvels into the elaborate, light-blazing spectacles of the modern era.
The oldest machine on display is a Montague Redgrave Parlor Bagatelle from 1879, and one of the crown jewels of the collection is Gottlieb’s Humpty Dumpty from 1947 — the very first pinball game ever made with flippers. Contemporary machines include beloved classics like The Addams Family and the Twilight Zone. There’s truly something for every generation here.
One of the more fascinating pieces is a transparent pinball machine from 1976, built by Schiess and Wade Krause, based on the Gottlieb “Surf Champ” game. Seeing the inner workings of a pinball machine exposed is a genuinely eye-opening experience — you’ll never look at a machine the same way again. Another prized piece is a 1936-era Art Deco machine called the Bally Bumper, considered one of the most valued in the entire collection.
Each machine features signage detailing the history and significance of the game, so even if you’re not playing, there’s plenty to absorb. The jukeboxes throughout the museum are also free to play, with the music in each room matched to the decade of the machines surrounding them — a small but brilliant touch that cranks up the immersion significantly.
Throughout the 7,000-square-foot space are hand-painted murals, vintage jukeboxes, and rotating focused exhibits, with provisions for field trips, self-guided tours, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math and History) educational programs as part of the museum’s “Play & Learn” philosophy. The museum’s machines, backglass murals, and educational exhibits have even made appearances in museums and galleries around the world.
Atmosphere & Décor
Throughout the 7,000-square-foot museum, hand-painted murals and vintage jukeboxes line the walls alongside rotating focused exhibits. The murals are hand painted on medium weight quality canvas with artist grade latex paints, representing hundreds of hours of work, with most measuring approximately 10 feet by 10 feet square. They transform what could feel like a simple arcade into something that genuinely feels like a curated artistic environment.
The atmosphere inside is clean and well lit, which is a welcome surprise for anyone who might expect a dim, chaotic arcade vibe. The layout flows naturally, guiding you from the most antique machines near the entrance through to the flashier, modern titles at the far end. The horseshoe-shaped path from the most vintage to the most modern machines makes it easy to explore at your own pace without getting disoriented.
In total, the museum’s collection comprises over 1,100 unique machines, with those not on display maintained at the 8,000-square-foot Pacific Pinball Annex nearby. The machines on the floor are rotated regularly, meaning repeat visits often turn up something new and worth exploring. It gives the museum a sense of life and constant discovery that keeps people coming back.
Other Considerations
What does admission cost? Adult admission is $22, with discounted pricing of $15 for seniors 62 and older, first responders, veterans, military members, educators, and students with ID. A family pass covering two adults and two kids ages 5–17 runs $55. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, two people can get in for $22. For an all-day, all-you-can-play experience, it’s genuinely hard to argue with the value.
Is it good for kids? The museum offers a program called Little Flippers, which gives children ages 5–12 the chance to discover the fun of pinball through a brief lesson and practice session — all included with regular admission. Little Flippers sessions take place on select Saturdays, so check social media for exact dates. The museum is widely considered a fantastic multi-generational outing, equally fun for curious kids and nostalgic adults.
Can I come and go during my visit? Upon paying the admission fee, visitors can play any of the machines on display for the entire day with unlimited in-and-out privileges, making it easy to take breaks and grab food nearby. There’s also a nice row of shops and cafes in the surrounding area, so stepping out for a bite and returning is completely hassle-free.
Are all the machines in working order? A few older machines may occasionally be out of order, which is generally understood given the nature of maintaining vintage equipment. Given the age of some of these machines — we’re talking 80-plus-year-old mechanical devices — the fact that so many are up and running is a testament to how seriously the museum takes preservation.
Can I book a private event? The space is available for private parties and works especially well for birthday events. It’s an unusual and memorable venue choice that tends to be a big hit with guests of all ages. Contact the museum directly for availability and group pricing details.
What’s the best time to visit? Weekday visits — especially Tuesdays — offer both the pricing deal and a less crowded floor. The space can get crowded during peak times, which may lead to wait times for popular machines. Planning a weekday trip, especially during non-holiday periods, will give you the most breathing room and the best chance of playing every machine you want without waiting.
Pacific Pinball Museum
📍 1510 Webster St, Alameda, CA 94501
Website: https://www.pacificpinball.org
